Citation

Downs A, Boucher LA, Campbell DG, Dasse M. J. Am. Coll. Health 2013; 61(3): 164-174.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07448481.2013.773902

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To develop and test a screening measure of mental health symptoms and well-being in college students, the Symptoms and Assets Screening Scale (SASS). Participants: Participants were 758 college students at 2 universities in the Northwest sampled between October 2009 and April 2011.

METHODS: Participants completed the SASS, as well as measures of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, substance problems, and eating problems in 1 session. A subset of participants ("n" = 259) completed the SASS 1 to 2 weeks later to allow an examination of test-retest stability.

RESULTS: The SASS demonstrated good reliability and validity and appears to assess similar constructs as well-established measures in college students. Fifty-nine percent of the sample reported having problems with their thoughts, behaviors, or emotions, whereas only 9.7% reported currently receiving treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: The SASS is a brief instrument that has the potential to effectively screen for the most prevalent mental health problems in college students.

Language: en